Portable multimedia projection system

ABSTRACT

A portable multimedia projection system includes a portable housing, a channel tuner, an image projection device and a controller. The image projection device externally projects images. The controller is electrically coupled to the channel tuner and the image projection device. The controller directs video signals from the channel tuner to the image projection device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/969,644, filed Oct. 20, 2004, entitled “Portable MultimediaProjection System,” the contents of which are incorporated by referenceherein.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/512,673, filed Oct. 20, 2003, entitled “PortableMultimedia Projection System.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a multimedia projector and,more particularly, to a portable multimedia projection system having avibration dampening or suppression device.

In the past projection systems have been based on high intensity cathoderay tube (CRT) technology. Like conventional TVs, CRT projectors havesmaller CRT tubes built into them. These tubes are small (perhaps 9-inchdiagonal), expensive and extremely bright. In a basic layout, there aretypically one or more CRT tubes that form the images. A lens in front ofthe CRT magnifies the image and projects it onto the screen. CRT devicesdo not have the fine resolution that LCD devices do, especially whenprojected. There are three CRT configurations used in CRT projectors:

-   -   one color CRT tube (red, blue, green phosphors) displays an        image with one projection lens;    -   one black-and-white CRT with a rapidly rotating color filter        wheel (red, green, blue filters) is placed between the CRT tube        and the projection lens. The rapid succession of color images        projected onto the screen forms an apparently single color image        (the images are projected too quickly for your brain to        distinguish between them); and    -   three CRT tubes (red, green, blue) with three lenses project the        images. The lenses are aligned so that a single color image        appears on the screen. One of the problems with conventional CRT        projectors is that, with anywhere from one to three tubes and        accompanying lenses and/or a filter wheel built in, the        projectors can be quite heavy and large.

One projection system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,543(“Derryberry”) possibly suggests integrating a laptop and a projector,so there may be the hint that the laptop has an internal speaker.However, there is no real explanation of how an internal speaker,especially an amplified speaker or sound system, might be installed soas not to negatively impact upon the projection device.

Another projection system disclosed in U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2004/0017548 A1 (“Denmeade”), the contents of which areincorporated by reference herein, includes a combination of a digitalmedia source, such as, a computer hard drive, digital (video) discplayer (DVD), and/or Compact Disc (CD) format; integral with amicroprocessor; an image projection device, such as, a Liquid CrystalDisplay (LCD) or Digital Light Processors (DLP); a set of controls; andaudio components to provide a stand alone system for use as a toyprojection system, business projection system, or home projectionsystem. As noted in the Denmeade publication, the two dominant digitalprojection technologies are LCD and DLP. LCD projectors use smalltransmissive LCD displays to project digital images. Digital projectorstypically function by projecting white light from a light source, thelight is split into the three primary colors (i.e., red, green, andblue—RGB), light for each color is then projected through a grayscaleLCD display that allows the appropriate portion of light for the desiredimage to pass through and the filtered colors are then opticallyrecombined and projected for display. The system is enclosed in asingular housing and is shown with one or two speakers integraltherewith. In some embodiments, the image projection device can berotated within the housing or via mirrors to project images on verticaland horizontal surfaces, such as, walls, screens, ceilings, and desktoprear projection screens. However, what is absent in the Denmeadepublication is a teaching for using such a projection system with anintegral, amplified sound system so that vibration can be curtailed toavoid shaking or disturbing the projection. Furthermore, the projectionsystem in the Denmeade publication is lacking additional functionalitysuch as wireless input/output (I/O) for receiving data from a network orcommunicating with wireless speakers as well as other I/O which mightenhance the possible applications of such a projection system.

Without special consideration in designing structural supports,vibrations generated by the audio component would be coupled through thestabilizing mass to the sensors included in the system for interpretingaudio visual information. This is particularly true for laser sensorbased audio CD and DVD media information systems. In the past, portableCD and DVD systems have included internal vibration suppression systemsbecause of an inherent need to sustain vibrations during mobileoperations. On the other hand, fixed rear projection televisions includea video projector in combination with an audio system. However, thesesystems have the inherently large stabilizing mass of the CRT typeprojectors used in these systems and the heavy cabinet of the TV itselfsuch that the need for additional, separate integrated vibrationstabilization of the projection component is less significant.

It is desirable to provide a portable multimedia projection systemhaving an internal sound system and a vibration dampening or suppressiondevice. Further, it is desirable to provide a portable multimediaprojection system having an internal sound system and a vibrationdampening or suppression device along with wireless inputs and/oroutputs. Even, further, it is desirable to provide a portable multimediaprojection system having an internal sound system and a vibrationdampening or suppression device along with a plurality of connectivityoptions such as component video, Ethernet, wireless I/O, radio frequency(RF) receiving for radio and television, S-video, cable, parallel,serial, universal serial bus (USB) and the like.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, the present invention comprises a portable multimediaprojection system including a portable housing, a channel tunersupported by the portable housing and a controller disposed within thehousing. The image projection device externally project images relativeto the portable housing. The controller is electrically coupled to thechannel tuner and the image projection device. The controller directsvideo signals from the channel tuner to the image projection device.

The present invention comprises a portable multimedia projection systemincluding a portable housing, a channel tuner supported by the housing,a digital video disc/digital versatile disc (DVD) player supported bythe housing, a digital projector disposed at least partially within thehousing, an amplified sound system being disposed at least partiallywithin the housing and a controller disposed within the housing. The DVDplayer outputs audio visual data signals corresponding to data read froma DVD. The image projection device externally projects images relativeto the portable housing. The amplified sound system includes asubwoofer. The controller is electrically coupled to the channel tuner,the amplified sound system and the digital projector. The controllerselectively directs audio signals from the DVD player or the channeltuner to the amplified sound system and selectively directs videosignals from the DVD player or the channel tuner to the digitalprojector.

The present invention also comprises a portable multimedia projectionsystem including a portable housing, a channel tuner supported by theportable housing, a digital projector disposed at least partially withinthe housing, an amplified sound system being disposed at least partiallywithin the housing and a controller disposed within the housing. Thedigital projector externally projects images relative to the portablehousing. The projector is one of a liquid crystal display (LCD) anddigital light processing (DLP). The amplified sound system includesoutputs for at least two speakers and a subwoofer. The controller iselectrically coupled to the channel tuner, the amplified sound systemand the digital projector. The controller directs audio signals from thechannel tuner to the amplified sound system and directs video signalsfrom the channel tuner to the digital projector.

The present invention also comprises a portable multimedia projectionsystem including a portable housing, a channel tuner supported by theportable housing, a digital projector disposed at least partially withinthe housing, an amplified sound system being disposed at least partiallywithin the housing and a controller disposed within the housing. Thedigital projector externally projects images relative to the portablehousing. The projector is one of a liquid crystal display (LCD) anddigital light processing (DLP). The amplified sound system includes asubwoofer and outputs for at least two speakers. The controller iselectrically coupled to the channel tuner, the amplified sound systemand the digital projector. The controller directs audio signals from thechannel tuner to the amplified sound system and directs video signalsfrom the channel tuner to the digital projector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofpreferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood whenread in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose ofillustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodimentswhich are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, thatthe invention is not limited to the precise arrangements andinstrumentalities shown.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable multimedia projection systemin accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portable multimedia projection systemin accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portable multimedia projection systemin accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a general block diagram showing major components of a portablemultimedia projection system in accordance with the preferredembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic signal input/output (I/O) diagram for a portablemultimedia projection system in accordance with the preferredembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a detailed schematic diagram of a portable multimediaprojection system in accordance with the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an electronics chassis in accordancewith the preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 8–9 are electrical schematics of control circuitry for amultimedia projection system in accordance with the preferredembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 10 schematically represents a vibration dampening and suppressionsystem in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the major components for themultimedia projection system of FIGS. 1–3 along with a vibrationdampening and suppression system;

FIG. 12A is an assembled side view of one mounting dampening mountingbracket for use with the preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 12B is an exploded side view of the mounting dampening mountingbracket of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portable multimedia projection systemin accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 14A is a top plan view of a local control panel for use with thepreferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 14B is a top plan view of a connection interface panel for use withthe preferred embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a remote control for use with thepreferred embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenienceonly and is not limiting. The words “right,” and “left,” “lower,” and“upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made.The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and awayfrom, respectively, the geometric center of the object discussed anddesignated parts thereof. The terminology includes the words abovespecifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.Additionally, the word “a” is used in the claims and in thecorresponding portions of the Specification, means “at least one.”

“DVD” once was the abbreviation for Digital Video Disc and later becameDigital Versatile Disc but now “DVD” is just DVD, and really is nolonger an acronym that it once was. As used herein “DVD” is an opticaldisc format for storing video, audio and/or data. It should be notedthat a DVD disc may contain any combination of DVD-Video, DVD-Audio,and/or DVD-ROM application content. DVDs currently come in a variety offormats as the desire to increase storage capacity continues. Forexample, DVD-5 is the simplest format having a capacity about 4.7Gigabytes (GBytes) of digital data, DVD-9 has a capacity of about 8.5GBytes by using a second layer such that a player must automaticallyswitch to the second layer and DVD-10 has a capacity of about 9.4 GBytesof data by storing data on both sides of the disc and requiring a useror the player to physically flip the DVD (the DVD-10 is sometimes calledthe “flipper” disc). Of course, any and all of these formats as well asother improved versions are suitable for use with the present invention.

In the drawings, like numerals are used to indicate like elementsthroughout. Referring to the drawings in detail, FIG. 1 shows a portablemultimedia projection system 100 in accordance with a first preferredembodiment of the present invention. The portable multimedia projectionsystem 100 is a complete multimedia system that integrates units (seeFIGS. 4 and 6) such as a media player 27 (e.g., DVD player, CD player,flash memory reader, etc.), an image projection device or projector 22,a television (TV) and/or radio channel tuner 70, a projector 22, and asound system 32/34/36 having two speakers 32, 34 and a subwoofer 36(i.e., a “2.1 channel” system where “2” represents the speakers and“0.1” represents the subwoofer). The portable multimedia projectionsystem 100 processes video signals from various sources of VGA input,TV/radio channel tuner 70, media player 27 (e.g., DVD player), videoinput, component video input and S-video input and transmits outputvideo signals to the projector unit 22, thus projected onto an externalscreen or wall (not shown) with a configured video quality (see FIG. 5and 14B). The portable multimedia projection system 100 also processesaudio signals from various sources of VGA input, TV/radio channel tuner70, media player 27 and video input and transmits audio signals via theprojector unit to the 2.1 channel sound system 32/34/36 withspeakers/subwoofer unit 32, 34, 36. The portable multimedia projectionsystem 100 includes a local control panel 24 having buttons 24 b andknobs 24 c for controlling features and functions of the portablemultimedia projection system 100. Optionally, control panel 24 includesa display 24 a such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) for displayingsetting and status information and/or providing soft menus.

The TV/radio channel tuner 70 preferably includes an AM/FM radioreceiver and a TV receiver and is configured to provide channel tuningthereof. The TV/radio channel tuner 70 may also include cable andsatellite tuning for a plurality of channels. Optionally, the TV/radiochannel tuner 70 can receive World Band radio signals.

The projector 22 is configurable for 800×600 resolution for a 4:3 aspectratio and/or 800/1024/1280×450/576/720 for a 16:9 aspect ratio. Theprojector 22 includes an optical zoom lens and has scan rates for highdefinition television (HDTV) and SVGA and VGA compatibility. Recentadvances in Digital logic Processing (DLP) and Liquid Crystal Display(LCD) video projector technology contribute to improving the output andreducing the overall size and weight of the portable multimediaprojection system 100. The portable multimedia projection system 100,200, 300, 400 is preferably based on DLP and LCD technology whichsignificantly reduces the size and weight requirements of the projectionsystem 22. However, as used herein, projector 22 shall be used asgeneral terminology to describe a broad range of digital projectiontechnologies including LCD and DLP, as well as improved digitalprojection technology.

The media player 27 is preferably a DVD player, but the media player 27may be a DVD player, a CD player, a CD read only memory (ROM) player, aflash memory device such as a flash random access memory (flash-RAM)drive, a tape player, a DVD player/recorder, a CD player/recorder, aCD-ROM player/recorder, a tape player/recorder, a record albumturntable, a hard disk drive and the like. The media player 27 mayalternatively be a simple port such as a USB port that accepts a USBflash memory device (i.e., a USB memory key). The media player 27 mayalso be other memory devices capable of storing multimedia data such asslideshows, movies, videos, pictures and the like. While shown with onemedia player 27, the portable multimedia projection system 100 may alsoinclude a plurality of media players 27 that are the same or different.For example, there may be a DVD player and a CD player/recorder and/or aflash memory reader; or the may be a DVD player and a DVDplayer/recorder. Other combinations of media players 27 may also beutilized. Preferably, the portable multimedia projection system 100includes at least a DVD player.

The 2.1 channel sound system is preferably amplified to provide atheater quality feel. Preferably, the output power is on the order of660 watts peak momentary performance output (PMPO). Preferably, thesubwoofer 36 receives a 5 watt root mean square (RMS) signal and each ofthe speakers 32, 34 receives a 2.4 watt RMS signal.

While shown as a 2.1 channel amplified sound system 32/34/36, the soundsystem 32/34/36 may include even more channels such as left rear, rightrear, center, right front, and left front. For example, it may bedesirable to set up the portable multimedia projection systems 100, 200,300, 400 (FIGS. 1–3 and 13) in a surround sound configuration such as aDolby 5.1 channel system commercially available from Dolby Laboratories,Inc., New York, N.Y. A Dolby 5.1 channel system has six channelsincluding five full-range channels (i.e., left rear, right rear, center,right front, and left front) and a low-frequency effects channel (i.e.,the “0.1” of the “5.1”) usually expressed through a subwoofer 36. Atleast one channel (i.e., left rear, right rear, center, right front, andleft front, and low-frequency effects) is provided by at least oneinternal speaker 32, 34, 36. Preferably, at least the subwoofer 36 isinternally mounted in the portable housing 120, 220, 320, 420. A controlinterface panel (FIG. 14B) provides outputs for the surround soundchannels and/or wirelessly transmits wireless audio data for speakershaving wireless receivers. Other surround sound configurations may alsobe utilized with the portable multimedia projection systems 100, 200,300, 400, such as Dolby 6.1/7.1 also commercially available from DolbyLaboratories, may include six (with center back) or seven (with leftback/right back) full-range channels.

FIG. 2 shows a portable multimedia projection system 200 in accordancewith a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Theportable multimedia projection system 200 is substantially similar tothe portable multimedia projection system 100 but includes a differentlocal control panel 25 having a local display 25 a and buttons 25 b. Thesubwoofer 36 is pictured facing forward, but the subwoofer may also befacing rearward and there may be subwoofer output cone 37 (FIG. 11)opposite thereto in the housing 220 of the portable multimediaprojection system 200.

FIG. 3 shows a portable multimedia projection system 300 in accordancewith a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. The portablemultimedia projection system 300 is substantially similar to theportable multimedia projection system 200, but the subwoofer 36 ispictured facing downward.

FIG. 13 shows a portable multimedia projection system 400 in accordancewith a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention. Theportable multimedia projection system 400 includes many of thecomponents of the portable multimedia projection system 100, but theportable multimedia projection system 400 is selectively reconfigurableto be used in a vertical orientation (solid line) or in a horizontalorientation (phantom line). The portable multimedia projection system400 is configured to electronically rotate the orientation of theprojection output (i.e., remapping the video output data in software) byselecting a “rotate horizontal/rotate vertical” or “rotate 90°” buttonor menu selection. Alternatively, the portable multimedia projectionsystem 400 contains an orientation sensor (not shown) whichautomatically electronically rotates the projection output to thecorrect orientation based upon the detected orientation (i.e., verticalor horizontal). Alternatively, the user may be required to physicallyrotate the projector about 90° or projector lens by about 90°. Theportable multimedia projection system 400 further includes detachablesatellite speakers 38, in addition to the internal speakers 32, 34, 36.The detachable satellite speakers 38 may include extensible speakerwires or may alternatively include wireless receivers for receivingwireless audio data from the portable multimedia projection system 400main unit. Thus, the portable multimedia projection system 400 can beset up, even temporarily, in a surround sound configuration to enhancethe multimedia experience. Furthermore, portable multimedia projectionsystem 400 has a sleek minimalist housing design.

All of the portable multimedia projection systems 100, 200, 300, 400 canbe configured with detachable satellite speakers 38 that includeextensible speaker wires or wireless receivers for receiving wirelessaudio data from the portable multimedia projection system main unit 100,200, 300, 400. Some sort of clip/locking mechanism is provided to allowthese detachable satellite speakers 38 to be attached to the mainhousing 120, 220, 320, 420 for carrying around from place to place, butalso allow them to be “dismounted” once the unit is set in place andready to play a movie or TV show, or MP3, etc. This allows the surroundsound configuration of a home theater for temporary portable use via theappropriate placement of the speakers 38 in a room.

To improve its practical utility, the portable multimedia projectionsystem 100, 200, 300, 400 includes a vibration dampening and isolationsystem 50, 60 for making the audio visual components compatible forlocation into a single, small, light weight, portable unit. Thevibration dampening and isolation system 50, 60 provides physicallinkage and for structural support between audio, video and media sensorplatforms. The need for such a “linkage” system 50, 60 is driven by theneed to eliminate the vibration impacts that the audio component, i.e.,the speaker or speakers 32/34/36, has on the visual component, i.e., theprojector 22 and the media player component(s) 27, e.g., CD/DVD player.Without special consideration in designing structural supports,vibrations generated by the audio component would be coupled through thestabilizing mass to the sensors included in the system for interpretingaudio visual information. This is particularly true for laser sensorbased audio/video CD and DVD media information systems. In the past,portable CD and DVD systems have included internal vibration suppressionsystems between their portable housing and the disk spinning tablebecause of an inherent need to sustain vibrations during mobileoperations. On the other hand, fixed rear projection televisions includea video projector in combination with an audio system. However, thesesystems have the inherently large stabilizing mass of the CRT typeprojectors used in these systems and the heavy cabinet of the TV itselfsuch that the need for additional, separate integrated vibrationstabilization of the projection component is less significant.

In order to create the desired high quality sound in a small portablepackage, a relatively high power speaker system 32/34/36 is used, asmentioned above. The inclusion of the projector 22 in the same housing120, 220, 320, 420 as parts of such a relatively high power speakersystem 32/34/36 that has high power, deep base, quality sound in arelatively small portable projection system housing 120, 220, 320, 420creates a need for vibration isolation. In this application the onlystabilizing mass available is significantly smaller than that availablein large fixed large rear projection TVs. Vibration isolation anddampening is therefore important for the portable multimedia projectionsystem 100, 200, 300, 400.

FIG. 10 schematically represents a vibration dampening and suppressionsystem 50 in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention. As illustrated schematically in FIG. 10, the portablemultimedia projection system (100, 200, 300, 400) includes a centralstabilizing mass 20 (i.e., housing 120, 220, 320, 420 or speakersub-housing 28). Vibration associated with actuation of the subwoofer 36to produce sound is isolated from the stabilizing mass 20 by a damperlinkage system 54. In turn, vibration of the stabilizing mass 20 isisolated from the vibration sensitive projector 22 by a second damperlinkage system 52. The mass of the projector 22 acts as a secondary masssuch that the natural frequency of the spring-mass system that it formswith the spring has a low natural frequency. The intent is to place thenatural vibration frequency of the system outside of the range offrequencies generated by the audio component 32/34/36. This designprevents vibration from the audio system 32/34/36 from being coupledthrough the stabilizing mass 20 to the projector 22. It keeps audiovibrations from being manifested as movement of the projected imagewhich would be an annoyance during viewing. Similarly, a third springmass damper system 52, similar to the second, is employed to isolate themedia player component 27 from vibrations of the stabilizing mass 20.Thus, the vibration dampening and suppression system 50 couples thespeaker 36 to the mass 20 (i.e., housing 120, 220, 320, 420 or speakersub-housing 28) for minimizing speaker audio distortion and for reducingvibration impact on the other devices such as the projector 22 and/orthe media player 27.

FIG. 11 shows one possible physical configuration of a vibrationdampening system 50 for coupling the speaker to the housing 120, 220,320, 420 or a speaker sub-housing 28 (which acts as a stabilizing mass),the projector 22 to the chassis 58 and the media player 27 to thechassis 58. As shown, the chassis 58 is represented as a mounting plateor shelf, but the chassis 58 may also be a rack design similar to apersonal computer chassis. The vibration dampening system includes aplurality of dampening assemblies 55, 56. Each dampening assembly 55, 56includes an elastic support or grommet 57 and mounting screws 59 forsecuring the projector 22, media player 27 and/or speakers 32/34 andsubwoofer 36 to one or more of the chassis 58, the housing 120, 220,320, 420, a shelf 221, 321, or, in the case of the speakers andsubwoofer 32/34/36, to the speaker sub-housing 28. The availability ofpolymeric elastic materials having both spring like behavior and plasticstrain for energy absorptive behavior is employed to form the vibrationdampening system 50. The elastic supports 57 are at least partiallyformed of rubber or polymeric elastic material. It is contemplated thata metal or rigid polymeric plate may be covered or coated with a moreelastic material to accomplish the intended goal of vibration dampeningand system decoupling. The material is preferably Kynar® commerciallyavailable from Atofina Chemicals, Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.However, other suitable elastic polymers that have elastic energyabsorptive properties can be used as the elastic supports 57 and therebyprovide the vibration isolation required. The vibration dampening system50 includes energy absorptive spring like material that couples theprojector 22 and media player 27 to the mounting plate or chassis 58(i.e., the stabilizing mass) such that each will be free to move, evenif slightly, relative to the mounting plate or chassis 58 by flexure ofthe spring-like elastic support 57.

Alternatively or in combination, as shown in FIG. 10 by schematicrepresentation, metal springs S can also be employed in the vibrationaldamper system 50, 60. Springs S are not as likely to lose structuralmemory under load conditions as rubber or polymers. An ideal combinationwould be a metal spring S with a polymeric coating. The spring Sprovided the desired elastic qualities while the polymeric coatingprovides the desired energy absorption/dampening qualities. The spring Smay be configured as a coil, as a linear shaped bar or as some othershaped structural member.

FIG. 12A-12B show another possible configuration for the assembledvibration dampening system 60 for coupling the speaker to the housing120, 220, 320, 420 or a speaker sub-housing 28 (which acts as astabilizing mass), the projector 22 to the chassis 68 and the mediaplayer 27 to the chassis 68. The vibration dampening system 60 includesa trapping bracket 66, an elastic mounting support 62, a mounting plate61 and securement hardware 69, 69 a such as screws or bolts 69 and/ornuts 69 a. The chassis 68 represents the body or chasses of the varioussub-units 22, 27, 32/34/36, 70. The elastic mounting support 62 ismounted to an opening or open area on the mounting plate 61. Themounting plate 61 may be a shelf like 221, 321 or an internal plate orframe like 58 above. It is envisioned that each sub-unit 22, 27,32/34/36, 70 has at least a structural frame itself, if not its ownsub-enclosure, so the respective chassis 68 for each sub-unit 22, 27,32/34/36, 70 is trapped to the elastic mounting support 62 by thetrapping bracket 66 to constrain the movement of the chassis 68 so as toremain within fixed limits defined for the mounting plate 61 between therespective chassis 68 and the trapping bracket 66.

Other similar vibration dampening systems 50, 60 can be implementedutilizing other shapes and sizes of an elastic mounting support 57, 62that is coupled between each sub-unit 22, 27, 32/34/36, 70 and thehousing 120, 220, 320, 420 or the associated internal structuralframework of the housing 120, 220, 320, 420. Likewise a similar goal maybe achieved by using elastic washers on either side of a bolt 69 and 69a or between the head of a screw 59 and the sub-unit 22, 27, 32/34/36,70 and between the sub-unit 22, 27, 32/34/36, 70 and the mounting plateor shelf 58, 61 to accomplish a similar result.

Although the inclusion of the vibrational damper system 50, 60 will notonly make the portable multimedia projection system 100, 200, 300, 400more distinctive in appearance, but the vibrational damper system 50, 60will make the portable multimedia projection system 100, 200, 300, 400more efficient in operation and will provide a higher quality projectionand audio output.

Due to differences among all sub-units 22, 27, 32/34/36, 70, oneintegration technique is to use a bridging control board PCB (FIGS. 5and 7–9) to connect all sub-units 22, 27, 32/34/36, 70 for globallycontrolling them in concert. On such a bridging control board PCB thereare switching components (AV Switch) and a controller MCU to manipulatecontrols over switching input signals from different sources as well astransceiving commands of integration, switching and adjustment viaremote control 500 (FIG. 15). FIGS. 8–9 are electrical schematics ofcontrol circuit 90 for a multimedia projection system 100, 200, 300, 400in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective viewof an electronics chassis for housing a circuit board or boards PCBwhich encompass the control circuit or bridge circuit 90.

Referring to FIGS. 8–9 in detail, the bridge circuit receives inputaudio signals J4, J5, J7, J9. The audio signals according to differentsources are connected to standard 3-pin audio connectors, of which pin#1 is designated for right-side audio signal and pin #3 for left-sideaudio signal, while pin #2 being ground. The audio signals from TV/radiochannel tuner 70 and media player 27 are directly connected to the 3-pinconnector, then output signals to Audio Switch U4. The audio signalsfrom PC or AV are connected to the 3-pin connector, and then output viaa filter circuits. The bridge circuit 90 also includes a video switch U2which as shown is a 16-pin integrated circuit (IC) such as a PI5V330with pin #1 connected with DVD_AV input, pin #2 connected with CVBS1input, pin #3 connected with DVDIN input, pin #5˜7, 9˜14 not connected,pin #8 and #15 being ground, pin #4 connected to the pin #1 of 2-pinConnector J2 for CBVSOUT output, and pin #16 connected to a +5V powercircuit. The bridge circuit 90 also includes audio switch U4 which asshown is a 16-pin IC such as a 74HC4052 with pin #1 connected with PC_Rinput, pin #2 connected with DVD_R input, pin #4 connected with AV_S_Rinput, pin #5 connected with TV_R input, pin #11 connected with AV_S_Linput, pin #12 connected with PC_L input, pin #14 connect with TV_Linput, pin #15 connected with DVD_L input, pin #6˜8 being ground, pin #9and #10 connected with AUDIO_SELA and AUDIO_SELB inputs, pin #3 and #13connected R_VIDEO and L_VIDEO outputs each to pin #1 and pin #3 a 3-pinconnector by ground its pin #2. The bridge circuit 90 also includes anRGB switch U6 which as shown is a 24-pin IC such as an AD8186 with pin#1, #3, #5 each connected with VGA's R/G/B inputs, pin #2, #7, #9, #11,#15, #19 being ground, pin #4 connected to a filter circuit, pin #6connected to +5V power, pin #8, #10, #12 each connected with TV's R/G/Binputs, pin #13, #14, #21, #24 connected to a +5V filter circuit, pin#16, #18, #20 connected via regulating circuit each to R/G/B outputs,pin #22 connected to VGA_TV output, and pin #23 connected to a +5V poweramplifying circuit. The bridge circuit 90 also includes a sync switch U8is a 16-pin IC such as PI5V330, similar to video switch U2, with pin #1for VGA_TV in, pin #2 and #11 for TV's vertical and horizontal signalsinput, pin #3 and #10 for VGA's vertical and horizontal signals input,pin #5˜7, #12˜14 not connected, pin #8 and #15 being ground, pin #4 and#9 for vertical and horizontal signals output of the Sync, and pin #16connected to a +5V power regulating circuit. The bridge circuit 90 alsoincludes a GPIO expansion U1 which as shown is a 16-pin IC such as aPCA9554 with pin #1˜3 and #16 connected with a +5V power circuit, pin#4˜7 each connected with input from DVD_AV, VGA_TV, AUDIO_SELA andAUDIO_SELB, pin #8 being ground, pin #9˜13 connected to TP 1˜5 of theProjector sub-units, and pin #14 and #15 connected each to SCL and SDA.The bridge circuit 90 also includes an electronically erasableprogrammable read only memory (EEPROM) U3 which as shown is an 8-pin ICsuch as a 24LC12B/SN with pin #1˜4 and #7 being ground, pin #5 and #6each connected via an amplifying circuit to SCL and SDA, pin #8connected to a +5V power circuit.

The bridge circuit 90 also includes a MCU U5 which as shown is a 14-pinIC such as a PIC16F630 with pin #1 connected to a +5V power circuit, pin#2 and #3 connected to an oscillator circuit, pin #4 connected toanother +5V power circuit, pin #5 connected via an IR transceivercircuit to pin #2 of the 3-pin connector J10 while its pin #1 linkedwith a +5V power circuit and Pin #3 ground, pin #6 and #11 connected toTP6 and TP7 of the Projector sub-unit, pin #7 connected to a +5V drivenLED, pin #8˜10 each connected to pin #5, #3, #1 of a 6-pin connector J8,of which other 3 pins ground, for transceiving IR signals output of TV,DVD and Projector, pin #12 and #13 connected with SCL and SDA, and pin#14 being ground. The MCU U5 is the core of the bridging circuit 90 andselectively controls and coordinates all of the AV switches andassociated circuitry based upon user commands from a control panel 24,25, 80 and/or remote control 500. The MCU U5 is preferably amicrocontroller, but the MCU U5 may be a microprocessor, applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC), a dedicated AV control IC and thelike without departing from the invention.

The bridge circuit 90 also includes a VGA Switch U7 and TV Switch U9which are each as shown a 14-pin IC such as a 74LVC14AD, and are linkedwith 15-pin connectors J11 and J13. VGA and TV input signals areconnected via the amplifying circuits to pin #1, #3, #5 of the connectorJ11 and J13. Pin #2, #4, #6, #8, #10, #12, #13 of J11 is ground, whilepin #2, #4, #6, #8, #10 of J13 is ground. Pin #7, #9, #11 of J11 areconnected each to VGA's vertical and horizontal A signals as well asVGA9V. Pin #14 and #15 of J11 are connected to DDCSDA and DDCSCL. Pin#11˜15 of J13 are not connected, while pin #7 and #9 of J13 areconnected each to TV's vertical and horizontal A signals. All thesevertical and horizontal A signals are connected via the amplifyingcircuit to pin #1 and pin #5 of the U7 and U9, while those vertical andhorizontal B input signals are connected to the pin #4 and pin #8 of U7and U9. Pin #2 and pin #3 of these switches are interconnected, and soare pin #6 and pin #9 of them. Pin #7 of the switches are ground, whilepin #10˜13 of them are not connected. Pin #14 of the switches U7, U9 areconnected to a +5V power circuit.

By way of explanation, the selective controls of the bridge circuit 90can occur as follows. Taking VGA for example, when MCU U5 receives aninstruction to switch onto VGA, it will send out a command to IC U6 forswitching route to VGA signal, then switching audio signal route forVGA, and finally commanding the projector sub-unit 22 to display in theVGA mode while outputting stereo sounds (or mono sounds depending on thesource) to the 2.1 channel amplified sound system 32/34/36. As for TV,when MCU U5 receives an instruction to switch onto TV, it will send outa command to IC U8 for switching route to TV signal, then switchingaudio signal route for TV, and finally commanding the projector sub-unit22 to display in the TV mode while outputting stereo sounds to the 2.1channel amplified sound system 32/34/36. Taking DVD for example, whenMCU U5 receives an instruction to switch onto DVD, it will send out acommand to IC U2 for switching route to DVD signal, then switching audiosignal route for DVD, and finally commanding the projector sub-unit 22to display in the DVD mode while outputting stereo sounds to the 2.1channel amplified sound system 32/34/36. As for VIDEO, when MCU U5receives an instruction to switch onto VIDEO, it will send out a commandto IC U2 for switching route to VIDEO signal, then switching audiosignal route for VIDEO, and finally commanding the projector sub-unit 22to display in the VIDEO mode while outputting stereo sounds to the 2.1channel amplified sound system 32/34/36. Taking S-VIDEO for example, MCUU5 directly commands the projector sub-unit 22 to display in the S-VIDEOmode, and finally switching audio signal route for S-VIDEO whileoutputting stereo sounds to the 2.1 channel amplified sound system32/34/36. Similar switching techniques can be implemented for componentvideo, computer input, network input and the like. Likewise, othercircuit components and detailed circuit implementations can achieve thesame result without departing from the invention.

Thus, the schematic design for the bridge circuit 90 of the portablemultimedia projection system 100, 200, 300, 400 is provided so that thebridging control board PCB can process video and audio signals, thenoutput video and audio signals to the projector unit 22 as well as the2.1 channel amplified sound system 32/34/36 having speakers 32, 34 withsubwoofer 36.

As shown, the bridge circuit 90 functions as a master control board PCBfor controlling the circuits (not shown in detail) of the varioussub-units 22, 27, 32/34/36, 70. However, the bridge circuit 90 mayalternatively be implemented as the entire circuit for all of thesub-units units 22, 27, 32/34/36, 70 and the MCU U5 with various AVswitches and inputs for the portable multi-media projection system 100,200, 300, 400 without departing from the present invention.

FIG. 14A is a top plan view of another local control panel 80 for usewith a multimedia projection system 100, 200, 300, 400 in accordancewith the present invention. The control panel 80 includes volume controlbuttons for left and right as well as level settings for bass andtreble. The control panel 80 also includes quick keys 84 for multimediaplay control such as buttons for last (chapter), next (chapter), stop,and play. Additionally, the control panel 80 includes a soft buttonpanel 82 with a menu button and buttons for up, down, left, right andselect or enter. The control panel 80 may be implemented as physicalbuttons, sliders and switches. Optionally, the control panel 80 includesan LCD display 86. Alternatively, the control panel 80 may be aminiature touchscreen, like a personal digital assistant (PDA) and thelike. Alternatively, the control panel 80 may be even more simplified ormore complex. It is contemplated that the control panel 80 includes acomplete equalizer control panel for a full range of audio control(i.e., treble, mid-range, bass) with a plurality of frequency settings,level settings and the like.

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a remote control 500 for use with amultimedia projection system 100, 200, 300, 400 in accordance with thepresent invention. The remote control 500 transmits a wireless signalsuch as an infrared (IR), radiofrequency (RF), Bluetooth and the like.Bluetooth is a radiofrequency technology commercially available frommembers of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) trade association,Washington District of Columbia (D.C.). The remote control 500 includesthe following buttons: power, setup, TV, DVD, lap, aux, picture, input,PIP swap, position, freeze, MTS, sleep, display, scale, CG, +(channel),−(channel), +(volume), −(volume), menu, up, down, left, right, play,pause, rev, fwd, “|<”, record, “>|”, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, muteand VGA. The remote control 500 may include fewer buttons or morebuttons. The remote control 500 can preferably control all of thefunctions of the local control panel 24, 25, 80 and even more. Theremote control 500 can control the features of the projector 22 such aszoom, rotation sync, vertical, horizontal, scaling, color settings,brightness, contrast and the like. The remote control 500 can controlall of the features of the media player 27 such as fast forward, rewind,select menu, play, pause, zoom (digital), next chapter, last chapter andthe like. The remote control 500 can control all of the features of the2.1 channel sound system 32/34/36 such as volume up and down as well assetting levels visa vie an onscreen menu. The remote control 500 cancontrol all of the features of the TV/radio channel tuner 70 such as upand down channels, direct channel selection and the like. The remotecontrol 500 can also control other overall settings and the like.

Alternatively, the remote control 500 may be implemented as a miniaturetouchscreen, like a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellulartelephone and the like.

Alternatively, the remote control 500 may be implemented by a softwareprogram for a conventional PDA that has wireless transmit capabilitiessuch as IR, Bluetooth, RF and the like.

FIG. 14B is a top plan view of a connection interface panel for use witha multimedia projection system 100, 200, 300, 400 in accordance with thepresent invention. The connection interface panel has a plurality ofconnectivity options including component video, Ethernet, wireless dataI/O (e.g., WiFi), radio frequency (RF) receiving for radio andtelevision, S-video, cable, parallel, serial, universal serial bus(USB), phono jack (headphones), and multi-channel outputs. Thecontroller MCU U5 is electrically coupled to the connectivity I/O tocommunicate and/or to selectively direct audio signals to the soundsystem 32/34/36 and video signals to the image projection device orprojector 22 based upon data received from the connectivity I/O, in lieuof data from the media player, upon user selection

The portable multimedia projection systems 100, 200, 300, 400 may all beconfigured with internal data compression encoding and decoding forplaying files in compressed format such as WAV, WMA, MP3, MP3PRO, MPEG,MPEG-2, RA, RA-G2 and the like.

The portable multimedia projection systems 100, 200, 300, 400 alsoinclude the necessary decryption software for playing licensed andcopyrighted multimedia files from commercially available media such asthat required to decrypt movies from DVDs as recommended by the DVD CopyControl Association.

The portable multimedia projection systems 100, 200, 300, 400 areconfigured to have firmware updates by network download or from a fileon a CD-ROM, DVD, Flash-memory card and the like. Such firmware updatesmay include new decryption software/software licenses, updateddecompression software, enhanced control features, additions of new fileformats and the like. Preferably, the portable multimedia projectionsystems 100, 200, 300, 400 can connect directly to an update server byconnecting to an internet capable network.

In addition to the vibration isolation described above, some method ofacoustic isolation may also be implemented to reduce noise (from theoutput of the speakers 32/34/36) and electromagnetic interference fromthe drive magnets in the speakers 32/34/36 since this may also adverselyaffect some of the other components 22, 27, 70 in the same way theelectromagnets might affect the CRT guns in a typical TV/PC monitor.Such shielding (not shown clearly) will most likely consist of a thinlayer of metal around the speakers 32/34/36 embedded in or covering thewalls of the speaker enclosure 28.

Optionally, the housing 120, 220, 320, 420 may include a handle of somesort to carry the unit around or a carrying case with a handle.

Optionally, the portable multimedia projection systems 100, 200, 300,400 are configured to be mounted on a conventional tri-pod (i.e., acamera or video tri-pod).

Optionally, the portable multimedia projection systems 100, 200, 300,400 include a connection for graphic and video intensive video gamesystem such as an XBox® commercially available from MicrosoftCorporation, Redmond, Wash.

Thus, there are a lot of features embedded into the portable multimediaprojection system 100, 200, 300, 400 that are typically separatedevices. This is a big advantage for the portable multimedia projectionsystem 100, 200, 300, 400 because, as yet, no one has integrated all ofthe devices together into a multimedia system with amplifiedhome-theater quality sound. In addition, no one has yet integrated atheater/home-theater quality sound system 32/34/36 with a projector andmedia player 22, 27 in the same enclosure or housing 120, 220, 320, 420.Also the portable multimedia projection system 100, 200, 300, 400 ismuch smaller than the typical big screen TV, projection TV, and/or hometheater system. Therefore, the portable multimedia projection system100, 200, 300, 400 provides a degree of portability that does notcurrently exist with any other unit allowing the portable multimediaprojection system 100, 200, 300, 400 to be moved from room to room, oreven play movies outside on the side of the house or at the pool and thelike. It also allows for a large display area (i.e., on an interior orexterior wall or on a projector screen). Adding the theater/home-theaterquality sound system 32/34/36 also allows an additional dimension forpresentations so that computer slideshow presentations are no longerconstrained to just words and still pictures, but animation and musiccan now be added to business and non-business presentations alike. Musicvideos can also now be shown at parties or in bars and nightclubs inmuch the same way as DJs play music. Kiosks can now be set up to displaymotion pictures on a larger area than might have previously been usedwith typical TV/PC monitors at conventions/exhibitions. Many additionaloptions for presentations/displays are now created with this portablemultimedia projection system 100, 200, 300, 400. Likewise, video gamesand the like may be played or viewed by large groups of players and/orviewers making tournaments much more interesting.

From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present invention comprisesa portable multimedia projection system having a vibration dampening orsuppression device. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat changes could be made to the embodiments described above withoutdeparting from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood,therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particularembodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications withinthe spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appendedclaims.

1. A portable multimedia projection system comprising: a portablehousing; a channel tuner supported by the portable housing; an imageprojection device disposed at least partially within the housing, theimage projection device externally projecting images relative to theportable housing; and a controller disposed within the housing, thecontroller being electrically coupled to the channel tuner and the imageprojection device, the controller directing video signals from thechannel tuner to the image projection device.
 2. The portable multimediaprojection system of claim 1, further comprising: a sound systemdisposed at least partially within the housing, the sound system havingat least one internally-mounted speaker relative to the portablehousing, the controller directing audio signals from the channel tunerto the sound system.
 3. The portable multimedia projection system ofclaim 2, further comprising: a vibration dampening device coupledbetween the housing and at least one of the channel tuner, the at leastone internally-mounted speaker and the image projection device, thevibration dampening device including an elastic support formed of anelastic energy absorptive material.
 4. The portable multimediaprojection system of claim 3, wherein the at least oneinternally-mounted speaker is attached to the elastic support and theelastic support is coupled to the housing thereby providing mechanicaldampening of vibrations caused by the at least one internally-mountedspeaker.
 5. The portable multimedia projection system of claim 3,wherein the image projection device is attached to the elastic supportand the elastic support is coupled to the housing thereby providingmechanical dampening of vibrations and mechanical noise.
 6. The portablemultimedia projection system of claim 3, wherein the channel tuner isattached to the elastic support and the elastic support is coupled tothe housing thereby providing mechanical dampening of vibrations andmechanical noise.
 7. The portable multimedia projection system of claim3, further comprising: an internal mounting plate disposed within thehousing, the internal mounting plate having an opening, the elasticsupport being mounted at least partially over the opening of theinternal mounting plate and one of the channel tuner, the at least oneinternally-mounted speaker and the image projection device being mountedto the elastic support.
 8. The portable multimedia projection system ofclaim 2, wherein the sound system is an amplified multi-channel soundsystem and the at least one internally-mounted speaker is a subwoofer.9. The portable multimedia projection system of claim 8, wherein theamplified multi-channel sound system is one of a 2.1 channel soundsystem, a 5.1 channel sound system, a 6.1 channel sound system and a 7.1channel sound system.
 10. The portable multimedia projection system ofclaim 2, wherein the sound system further comprises detachable satellitespeakers that include extensible speaker wires or wireless receivers forreceiving wireless audio data from the portable multimedia projectionsystem.
 11. The portable multimedia projection system of claim 2,further comprising: a connection panel having a plurality ofconnectivity inputs/outputs (I/O) including at least one of componentvideo, Ethernet, wireless data I/O, radio frequency (RF) receiving,S-video, cable television, parallel port, serial port, and universalserial bus (USB), the controller being electrically coupled to theconnectivity I/O to at least one of communicate and selectively directaudio signals to the sound system based upon data received from theconnectivity I/O, in lieu of data from the channel tuner, upon userselection.
 12. The portable multimedia projection system of claim 2,further comprising: a remote control receiver disposed at leastpartially within the housing, the remote control receiver beingconfigured to allow user control of the portable multimedia projectionsystem.
 13. The portable multimedia projection system of claim 12,further comprising: a remote control, separate from the housing, theremote control having inputs that control features of the channel tuner,inputs that control features of the image projection device and inputsthat control features of the sound system.
 14. The portable multimediaprojection system of claim 1, further comprising: a local control panelhaving a plurality of input devices to allow user control of theportable multimedia projection system.
 15. The portable multimediaprojection system of claim 14, wherein the local control panel includesvolume control and channel tuner control.
 16. The portable multimediaprojection system of claim 14 wherein the local control panel includes aliquid crystal display (LCD) to display setup and status information.17. The portable multimedia projection system of claim 1, furthercomprising: a connection panel having a plurality of connectivityinputs/outputs (I/O) including at least one of component video,Ethernet, wireless data I/O, radio frequency (RF) receiving, S-video,cable television, parallel port, serial port, and universal serial bus(USB), the controller being electrically coupled to the connectivity I/Oto at least one of communicate and selectively direct video signals tothe image projection device based upon data received from theconnectivity I/O, in lieu of data from the channel tuner, upon userselection.
 18. The portable multimedia projection system of claim 1,wherein the channel tuner is configured to receive at least one oftelevision, satellite and cable signal input and to output at least oneof audio and visual data to the controller.
 19. The portable multimediaprojection system of claim 1, further comprising at least one of adigital video disc/digital versatile disc (DVD) player, a compact disc(CD) player, a CD read only memory (ROM) player, a flash memory drive, atape player, a DVD player/recorder, a CD player/recorder, a CD-ROMplayer/recorder, a tape player/recorder, a record album turntable and ahard disk drive.
 20. A portable multimedia projection system comprising:a portable housing; a channel tuner supported by the portable housing; adigital video disc/digital versatile disc (DVD) player supported by theportable housing, the DVD player outputting audio visual data signalscorresponding to data read from a DVD; a digital projector disposed atleast partially within the housing, the digital projector externallyprojecting images relative to the portable housing; an amplified soundsystem being disposed at least partially within the housing, theamplified sound system including a subwoofer; and a controller disposedwithin the housing, the controller being electrically coupled to thechannel tuner, the DVD player, the amplified sound system and thedigital projector, the controller selectively directing audio signalsfrom the DVD player or the channel tuner to the amplified sound systemand selectively directing video signals from the DVD player or thechannel tuner to the digital projector.
 21. The portable multimediaprojection system of claim 20, wherein the channel tuner includes atleast one of cable and satellite tuning for a plurality of channels. 22.The portable multimedia projection system of claim 20, wherein thesubwoofer is attached to an elastic support and the elastic support iscoupled to the housing thereby providing mechanical dampening ofvibrations caused by the subwoofer.
 23. The portable multimediaprojection system of claim 20, wherein the digital projector is attachedto an elastic support and the elastic support is coupled to the housingthereby providing mechanical dampening of vibrations and mechanicalnoise.
 24. The portable multimedia projection system of claim 20,wherein the DVD player is attached to an elastic support and the elasticsupport is coupled to the housing thereby providing mechanical dampeningof vibrations and mechanical noise.
 25. A portable multimedia projectionsystem comprising: a portable housing; a channel tuner supported by theportable housing; a digital projector disposed at least partially withinthe housing, the digital projector externally projecting images relativeto the portable housing, the projector being one of a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD) and digital light processing (DLP); an amplified soundsystem being disposed at least partially within the housing, theamplified sound system including outputs for at least two speakers and asubwoofer; and a controller disposed within the housing, the controllerbeing electrically coupled to the channel tuner, the amplified soundsystem and the digital projector, the controller directing audio signalsfrom the channel tuner to the amplified sound system and directing videosignals from the channel tuner to the digital projector.
 26. A portablemultimedia projection system comprising: a portable housing; a channeltuner supported by the portable housing; a digital projector disposed atleast partially within the housing, the digital projector externallyprojecting images relative to the portable housing, the projector beingone of a liquid crystal display (LCD) and digital light processing(DLP); an amplified sound system being disposed at least partiallywithin the housing, the amplified sound system including a subwoofer andoutputs for at least two speakers; and a controller disposed within thehousing, the controller being electrically coupled to the channel tuner,the amplified sound system and the digital projector, the controllerdirecting audio signals from the channel tuner to the amplified soundsystem and directing video signals from the channel tuner to the digitalprojector.